Pier&Beam on rental properties

[Adriano Casas]

Hi Biggerpocketters!!

I've lived in Corpus Christi for almost three years, originally from Spain. A few concerns about pier and beam foundations. I need your help here! I've got a few dilemmas between pier and beam vs concrete slab foundations. We do not have pier and beam foundations in Spain, it is all concrete slab. Please see below, hopefully you can help me here:

1) Pier and beam gives me the impression of non-stability nor aesthetics. Probably this is because of my mindset established in another country with other habits... Question: two houses are identical and in the same location. One is pier and beam and the other one is concrete slab. Would both houses be rented at the same price? in other words.. can pier and beam create concern to the local tenants? 

2) How often do pier and beams need repair? some maintenance habits can help avoid repairs? 

Do not take me wrong, I believe in this area, pier and beam foundation provide the best opportunity for investors since houses are usually cheaper. I just need to make sure that my perception I've got for pier and beam structures is just a preconception.

I appreciate responses and suggestions

[Will Fraser]

Welcome to the BP forums, @Adriano Casas!  What a fitting surname for a real estate investor!

In my opinion I prefer pier and beam homes for rental properties compared to a slab foundation many times.  The reason is that accessing the "guts" of the home is simple (through the crawlspace), therefore most plumbing and foundation issues, if noticed early, are easy to fix.  Conversely, if you have a slab and the ground settles (which is very common in my area) then you are going to need something to fix the issue (which ironically is . . . piers!).  If you want to move the kitchen sink in 20 years, or you need to repair a leak in the hot water line going to the washing machine, you will need to do some expensive tests AND THEN bust up the slab, make the repair, and then redo the slab and flooring.

This is an opinion and not fact, but I did want to share my particular favor for pier and beam foundations (assuming all other things are equal.  If I'm looking at a 1940s P&B home versus a 1960s slab home, then I'm taking the P&B, but If I'm looking at a 1940 P&B versus a 2000 Slab, I'll take the newer home).